By Eniola Idris
A new export-processing zone is currently under construction in Apapa, area of Lagos in order to ease port congestion.
SlyeNews gathered that the project, which is currently at the stage of civil is located within the Lillypond terminal and expected to be completed in the next two months.
This move is aimed at easing the process for export cargoes, which have been identified as a clog in the wheel port access roads sanitisation programme.
Besides, the new export processing zone, the operators of the electronic call-up system, Truck Transit Park Limited (TTP), has deployed new technologies to support the efficiency of an the platform and halt the inherent malpractices.
This includes the installation of closed-circuit cameras (CCTV) in strategic locations of the port, access control barriers, access control card readers, underground bollard system among others which have already phased out manipulation of the system.
The Operations Manager, Truck Transit Park Limited (TTP), Adedenuola Orimolade, told SlyeNews that the new development on the port access roads was achieved in collaboration with all terminal operators, Lagos State government and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
Orimolade noted that the export trucks have posed major problem in recent times, seeking the cooperation of stakeholders and adherence to the policy.
He said: “The NPA has identified that within Lillypond, we should be able to create a space for an export processing zone because it was discovered that a lot of trucks still stay on the road even after exiting from the pre-gate. So the process of the export-processing zone is to ensure that all export operations in terms of customs examination, verification of the vessels, and ensuring that all the terminals are ready for the cargoes. This is a good system and it will ensure that the call-up system is sustainable,”
He said the concessionnaire for the export-processing zone has started construction.
“They have started civil works within the segregated area within Lillypond and we expect that it will be completed in the next 30-60 days,”
Meanwhile, Orimolade said several technologies including CCTV surveillance cameras, access control barriers, access control card readers, bollard system, among others have been deployed to all the port’s access points.
“For example, from Lagos port complex, multiple cameras are overseeing Creek road, Warf Road and we can see what happens within the port gates. Its also at Tin Can First gate and Second gates and the Abuja entry and exit points.
“All the truck parks are also interconnected. The CCTV does a feed from Lillypond and feeds everybody. You can also see what happens inside the Satellite truck parks among others.
“We have also deployed the access control barriers, access control card readers, and bollard. The underground bollards are to deter all forms of malpractice by the transporters. So, you cannot get into the port area without having the appropriate booking reference code. If you beat the access control barriers, you cannot beat the bollards,” he said.
Chief Operating Officer, TTP, Temidayo Adeboye, said some actions of truckers to circumvent ETO were fueled by ignorance of the gains that the new operational method would deliver to the transporters if wholly embraced.
He noted that the ‘Eto’ platform has put a stop to the extortions, which is estimated at N100 million daily before the introduction of the electronic call-up system.
